Daijiworld Media Network – London

London, Jul 18: Despite being left out of England’s Test squad for the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, seasoned wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow remains hopeful of donning the national colours again, stating he still fits the mould of players capable of taking on the world’s best.

The 35-year-old, who holds a central contract set to expire this October, has not featured for England since the 2024 T20 World Cup, where his campaign ended with a three-ball duck in the semi-final against India.

Bairstow, who made his 100th Test appearance earlier this year in Dharamshala, was dropped following England’s 4-1 Test series loss to India, a series that prompted a red-ball squad revamp by head coach Brendon McCullum.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Bairstow said, “I am still contracted. I haven’t heard much from the selectors, but Brooky (Harry Brook) mentioned he wants players who can take down the best bowlers—and I definitely fit that mould. I have done so for a long time.”

With Harry Brook now leading England’s white-ball squad and keen on assembling a power-packed lineup for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Bairstow believes his aggressive batting and experience still offer value.

He added, “From a fitness point of view, I haven’t missed a game since recovering from my ankle injury. I’ve stayed robust, played in the County Championship, and am now in the Hundred. The leadership aspects too have brought new challenges.”

In the ongoing Vitality Blast Men’s 2025, Bairstow has scored 177 runs in 7 matches at an impressive strike rate of 165.42. In red-ball cricket, he has had a solid season with Yorkshire, amassing 595 runs at 49.58, with nine sixes, the highest among the top 20 run-getters.

While the selectors remain silent, Bairstow’s consistent domestic form and determination may well force their hand sooner rather than later.